Colours Day / Rā Maunga Day – 7 October
This Wednesday the “Weather Gods” played ball and we had our first ever 2 hour Colours Day.
Events included novelty races, traditional 100m sprints, the Chant Off, the inaugural around the field relay race, and culminating in the tug-of-war.
The day ran like clock work with many staff and students dressed in the colours of the Maunga they belong to.
The vibe was amazing and the results are below!
| Loudest on the day | Karewa |
| Fastest on the day | Pūwhenua and Karewa |
| Strongest on the day | Maunganui |
| Best dressed | Manunui |
Overall
| 1st | Pūwhenua |
| 2nd | Manunui |
| 3rd | Maunganui |
| 4th | Karewa |
| 5th | Ōtanewainuku |
Regional Semi Finals of the NZ Spelling Bee
Recently Davin Patel and and Sam Reddy represented our college at the Regional Semi Finals of the NZ Spelling Bee in Hamilton.
Both of them did commendably well, making it into the final round. However, Davin hung in there to the very end, qualifying for an entry into the NZ Spelling Bee National Finals in Wellingon, on Saturday 1st November. He will fly down with a family member, enjoy a weekend of Wellington, and represent our college in the finals.
There is a winning prize of $5000 so we wish him all the very best! Go well Davin!
Hat-Trick of Bronze Medals for Cadence Grant at ITTF Oceania Para Championship
Ōtūmoetai College is bursting with pride following the incredible performance of Year 11 student Cadence Grant at the recent ITTF Oceania Para Table Tennis Championships in Auckland. Cadence delivered a stellar effort against the region’s best, securing an outstanding three bronze medals for New Zealand!
Cadence earned her medals in three events:
- Women’s Singles (Class 6-10)
- Women’s Doubles (Class 6-10)
- Mixed Doubles (Class 6-10)
This remarkable achievement is even more impressive considering the calibre of her competition. In the process of securing her podium spots, Cadence faced players with immense international experience, including those who have collectively won 12 Paralympic Gold Medals. For a young athlete to compete at this level and emerge with three medals is truly phenomenal.
Cadence’s success significantly contributed to New Zealand’s historic medal haul at the championships, demonstrating her dedication and hard work on the international stage.
The entire Ōtūmoetai College community congratulates Cadence on her outstanding achievements and her commitment to excellence in Para Table Tennis. We look forward to following her journey as she continues to compete at the highest levels. Well done, Cadence!
Measles Cases in Aotearoa
Recent measles cases linked to overseas travel have been reported in Te Tai Tokerau and Queenstown. Cases were active in the community while infectious and there is a risk of measles circulating there, and more widely in Aotearoa.
Points to share with parents, caregivers and the school community:
- Measles is very contagious and can make people of any age very sick.
- Watch for measles symptoms – fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a blotchy rash.
Measles: Locations of interest in Aotearoa New Zealand – Health New Zealand
- If anyone in your whānau has measles symptoms keep them home and contact a doctor or Healthline urgently on 0800 611 116.
- Vaccination is the best protection from measles. Check all whānau are immunised.
Measles immunity – Health New Zealand
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine – Health New Zealand
- Anyone closely exposed to measles who has not received two MMR vaccinations cannot attend their school | kura for at least eight days.
